Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole is a simple recipe for the classic savory, vegetarian dish traditionally served at Thanksgiving and holiday meals, but this version is made without milk, butter, or other dairy ingredients.
Green bean casserole is a classic, savory side dish that's typically vegetarian, and this recipe is also completely dairy-free.
It's a cost-effective side that's traditionally served at Thanksgiving and other holiday meals, but it's delicious alongside almost any main dish, whether meat or dairy.
It's simple to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks with friends.
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What is needed to make dairy-free green bean casserole?
canned (or frozen) green beans, French-style
crispy fried onions
unsweetened dairy-free milk substitute (with a neutral flavor)
vegetarian chicken soup powder
mushrooms (fresh or canned)
onion
cloves of garlic or granulated garlic
all-purpose flour
salt
oil for frying
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I really make green bean casserole without dairy?
Yes. This dairy-free green bean casserole is made without milk, butter, or other dairy ingredients while still delivering the creamy, savory flavor of the classic holiday side dish.
What is the best dairy-free milk to use for green bean casserole sauce?
This recipe uses unsweetened oat milk, which provides a rich, creamy texture. Unsweetened plain almond milk or canned full-fat coconut milk can also be used. Coconut milk creates an especially creamy sauce, although it may add a subtle coconut flavor.
Can I make dairy-free green bean casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the baking point, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Wait to add the crispy fried onion topping until just before baking so the onions stay crunchy.
Can you freeze dairy-free green bean casserole?
Yes. Freeze the unbaked casserole without the crispy fried onion topping, wrapped tightly, for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator before baking, then add fresh fried onions and bake.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes. Blanch or steam fresh green beans until tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole. They won't have enough time to fully cook in the oven alone.
Can I make green bean casserole without canned cream of mushroom soup?
Yes. This recipe uses a homemade dairy-free mushroom sauce instead of traditional canned cream of mushroom soup, giving you a creamy casserole without dairy.
How do I thicken dairy-free green bean casserole sauce if it's too thin?
If the mushroom sauce is too thin, simmer it on the stovetop for a few additional minutes to reduce and thicken it. You can also whisk a small amount of cornstarch with cold water, add it to the sauce, and cook until the sauce bubbles and thickens.
What can I serve with dairy-free green bean casserole?
Green bean casserole pairs well with roasted or baked meats, potatoes, stuffing, and other traditional holiday side dishes. It's especially well suited to Thanksgiving and other holiday dinners.
Additional sides to pair with green bean casserole
Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole
Easy, savory Thanksgiving green bean casserole, but made without any dairy.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces canned (or frozen) green beans, French-style *
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions
- 1 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk substitute (with a neutral flavor)
- ¾ cup vegetarian chicken soup**
- 1 cup mushrooms (fresh or canned), finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped or ½ teaspoon of granulated garlic
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- oil for frying
- Salt
Instructions
- Place the green beans in a suitable-size casserole dish or baking pan, and mix in half of the fried onions. Set aside.***
- Pour a little oil into the bottom of a skillet.
- Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms, and lightly fry on a medium-low heat (until the onions have become transparent).
- Sprinkle flour into the skillet and mix to coat the onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
- Slowly add the vegetarian chicken soup while mixing, and then do the same with the dairy-free milk substitute.
- Lower the heat and continue mixing for a few minutes until you have a thickened sauce.
- Mix in salt to taste.
- Remove from heat and pour over the green beans.
- Top with the remaining fried onions.
- Place the casserole dish/baking pan in an oven that has been preheated to 400°F and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the casserole is slightly brown on top.
- Serve hot.
Notes
* Or just pre-cooked, French-style green beans.
** You can make this with vegetarian chicken soup powder, according to the instructions.
*** The onions that are mixed in with the green beans may get soft, so skip this step if you don't want that, and you can use only half of the onions on top or all of them if you wish.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 575Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 5gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 1027mgCarbohydrates: 63gFiber: 10gSugar: 11gProtein: 23g
